Turner Found Guilty

BOSTON -- Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner was convicted Friday of accepting a $1,000 bribe in 2007 and lying about it to federal prosecutors.

Prosecutors said Turner took a bribe from Ron Wilburn, ostensibly in exchange for a liquor license. Unknown to Turner, Wilburn was cooperating with the FBI.

Against the wishes of his defense attorney, Turner took the witness stand in his own defense during his trial. He denied taking the bribe, saying he didn't remember receiving any money -- nor did he even remember meeting Wilburn.

Turner was found guilty on all four charges for which he was tried -- one count of attempted extortion and three counts of perjury.

The extortion count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while each perjury count has a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. Turner will be sentenced in January.